dc-26120-phd on forest-water relations during drought

Fixed term contract | Belvaux | up to 48 Months (14 months initial contract)

Are you passionate about research? So are we Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website:

How will you contribute?

This is a PhD project to investigate the role of evaporation during small rainfall events on forest function. Low-volume water pathways in forests such as direct absorption of water and evaporation from the forest floor may become greater in importance during drought. This research will focus on innovative measurements of these processes, using isotopic tracers, micrometeorological monitoring, and emerging techniques to estimate fluxes in trees and soil. Instrumented field sites in Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the Netherlands will allow inter-site comparisons.

This position is within the Catchment and Ecohydrology Group, which is part of the Environmental Sensing and Modelling Unit at LIST. Collaborating groups are the Water Systems Monitoring & Modelling group at Delft University of Technology and the Institute of Environmental Engineering and WaldLab Zürich at ETH Zürich.

Duties will be:

• Collaborative selection of research hypotheses and design of experiments, building on the experience of collaborators at LIST and partner universities
• Primary responsibility for field measurements of water and energy fluxes in forests
• Primary responsibility for modeling field data to isolate controlling processes
• Participation in the interdisciplinary doctoral training unit, "Forest Function Under Stress", focusing on drought in forested landscapes. Project website:

Is your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now

Education

• MSc or equivalent in hydrology or other environmental science
• Experience with micrometeorology, environmental biophysics, tree ecophysiology, soil science, and related topics are all helpful
• Skill and interest in designing and executing field data collection
• Skill and interest in data modeling using physically-based numerical and statistical tools

Language skills

• Fluency in English, both oral and written. Skills in French is an asset.

Your LIST benefits

• An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects
• Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society
• Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do
• An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas
• Personalized learning programme to foster our staff's soft and technical skills
• Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce
• Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions
• Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science
• 32 days' paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance
• Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to Digital lunch vouchers

Apply online

Your application must include:

• A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience
• A scientific CV with contact details
• List of publications (and patents, if applicable)
• Contact details of 2 references

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.

Phd additional conditions

• Supervisor at LIST: Dr.Stan Schymanski )
• Work location: Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg
• PhD enrolment: University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
• Please note that university enrolment fees, currently set at 400 EUR per semester (as of July 2025) must be covered by the successful applicant.

Your master diploma has to be recognized in Luxembourg. Please refer to:

Languages English Education Master Experience 0+ years